Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Parking Services
Annual Report 2008/09
September
2009
Table of Contents
1.0 Foreword . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Background . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Policy Context . . . . . . . 7
2.2.1 Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 13 Transport . . 8
2.2.2 Regional Spatial Strategy . . . . . . 9
2.2.3 Durham County Council - Local Transport Plan 2 . . 10
7.0 Appendices . . . . . . . . 35
As the volume of traffic on our roads has steadily increased so too has our need
to manage the highway network more efficiently. Parking controls are an
effective tool to ensure that traffic keeps moving, our safety is not compromised,
the local environment is not damaged, the reliability of public transport is not
diminished and our access to services and facilities is not removed.
4
street’ contraventions and clarifies enforcement responsibility for our customers.
The turnover from the parking enforcement regime is significant with increasing
revenue generation and enforcement costs. This report sets out the reasons why
we enforce parking restrictions, what we enforce, and how we choose to enforce
them. It aims to gives transparency to the enforcement process and to the
financial profile of the business. It sets out in detail costs, the income we generate
and how this is achieved.
I commend this, the first Parking Services Annual Report to all our Customers
and partners.
5
2.0 Parking Control Objectives
2.1 Background
The Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) imposes an explicit duty on local
authorities to manage their network to reduce congestion and disruption. The Act
provides the scope for authorities to assume responsibility for the enforcement of
non- endorseable parking contraventions and some moving traffic offences from
the police.
The enforcement of all bus lane and moving traffic contraventions throughout the
county continues to be the responsibility of Durham Constabulary. However; it is
intended that Durham County Council will assume responsibility following the
making of the appropriate legislation by the Lord Chancellor.
6
support to Durham County Council and recognise the importance of a single
authority assuming responsibility for all non endorseable restrictions.
CPE provides a means by which we can effectively deliver the wider transport
strategies and objectives contained within the following policy documents -
7
2.2.1 - Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 13 Transport
The Government's policy on the provision of parking is set out in (PPG) 13, which
is supplemented by specific policy in relation to parking provision for housing
development in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 3 Housing.
The guidance in PPG13 directs local authorities to use parking policies alongside
other planning and transport measures to promote sustainable transport choices
and reduce reliance on the car for work and other journeys. To support this
objective, PPG13 states that local authorities should not normally require
developers to provide more spaces than the developer would wish. Local
authorities should also encourage the shared use of parking, particularly in town
centres and, where appropriate, introduce on-street parking controls in areas
adjacent to major travel generating development to minimise the potential
displacement of parking where on-site parking is limited. PPG13 encourages
setting maximum levels of parking provision. Where a limited supply of facility if
available it is necessary to manage supply and demand through enforcement of
restrictions.
8
2.2.2 - Regional Transport Strategy (RTS)
The Regional Transport Strategy sets out to improve access to jobs and services,
particularly for those most in need, in ways that are sustainable, improve public
transport provision, reduce problems of congestion and pollution and improve
safety. Controlling the supply and availability of parking supports the aims of the
Regional Spatial Strategy of which the Regional Transport Strategy plays a key
role.
9
2.2.3 - Durham County Council - Local Transport Plan 2
The LTP2 reflects the five shared priorities which the Government has agreed
with the Local Government Association. These are
• Improve accessibility
• Reduce congestion
• Improve road safety
• Reduce pollution
• Improve public transport;
Policies within the LTP2 include:-
Cars in the Built Environment (Policy 6)
10
There is a clear desire nationally, regionally and locally to address the transport
demand of the populace and to address the social, environmental, and economic
difficulties presented by our car culture. Policies will ensure that parking control is
an effective contributor to address the growing demands for travel in all areas of
County Durham.
11
3.0 Durham District Parking Profile
In many areas of the country signs, lines and traffic regulation orders have been
found to be inaccurate and potentially misleading. We are confident that this is
not the situation in Durham district. Before applying to the Secretary of State for
CPE powers, we undertook an extensive exercise to ensure that all permitted and
restricted parking areas displayed the relevant traffic signs and road markings
consistent with TSRGD and were in a good state of repair so that their meaning
was clear to road users.
A summary of all permitted and restricted parking in Durham District can be found
below. More detailed information can be found in Appendix A
12
3.1 Restricted Parking
13
3.2 Permitted Parking
14
3.3.2 - The Safer Parking Scheme
All of our Park and Ride sites have achieved the Park Mark Safer Parking Award
in recognition of providing a safe and secure environment through the
introduction of proven management processes, physical measures and site
security systems. The Park and Ride sites are manned and have cctv security
cameras relayed to a central control office at the Belmont site manned at all times
of operation.
15
4.0 Parking Services Management, Operation and Enforcement
The County Council’s Parking Services team are primarily responsible for the
management of Civil Parking Enforcement, Durham City Park and Ride and
Durham City Road User Charge. We work in partnership with our contractors,
NSL Services Group and our Park and Ride bus operator. Together we have
created a partnership with the ability to deliver a first class customer focused
service.
16
4.1 Parking Services Operation and Enforcement Protocol
Streets containing parking restrictions and/or permitted parking places within Durham
City centre are enforced on ‘beats’ basis. i.e. no specific area is targeted but officers
undertake a set number of visits on a pre determined route. Streets receiving the
highest number of beats are those where contraventions would have the greatest
impact upon the movement of traffic, road safety, the environment, access to public
17
transport, the needs of those with disabilities or where there is significant competing
demand for kerb space.
Streets receiving the highest level of deployed hours are those where contraventions
would have the greatest impact and where community concern has been expressed
about unsafe parking practices. Centres of activity such as, local retail areas, have
required deployed officers to address specific parking problems. In such areas our
approach would be to issue advice and warning before proceeding with follow up visits
where Penalty Charge Notices are issued. This appears to be an effective and
acceptable approach to what is often a very local issue. All enforcement can be
adjusted in response to specific needs of individuals including the public, councillors and
emergency services.
The success of CPE depends on the dedication and quality of these staff who
manage and support our contractor. As the systems and processes involved in
18
CPE are complex, we recognise that it is essential that we give staff the skills and
training to do their jobs effectively and professionally.
Each team member has undertaking specialist CPE training and has an
understanding of -
• the legal framework for civil parking enforcement;
• applying the authority's published policies;
• parking contravention codes and descriptions, and their use;
• challenges and representations; and
• mitigation.
NSL Services Group provides resource for enforcement and management of all
permitted and restricted parking within Durham District. They also undertake
processing of all penalty charge notices up to ‘Notice to Owner’ status,
management of the Durham City Park and Ride sites, operation and
management of Durham City Road User Charge scheme.
19
It has been recognised that a true partnership has developed with NSL Services
Group since enforcement operations commenced in 2000. They consider that
having a stable, experienced and motivated workforce is one of the most
important elements of running a successful parking operation. At the heart of this
are the learning opportunities and the training and development support given to
the front line operations teams, to their team leaders and managers and to the
business teams and support functions that help them to fulfil their roles.
20
5.0 Financial Performance
The financial operation of CPE generates significant income and expenditure. For
our CPE operation to remain self-financing it is necessary to ensure that our
income is, and remains, in line with our expenditure.
As explained earlier in this report the County Council aim for a cost neutral
parking business where all enforcement costs are met from revenue generated
through on and off street charges. Revenue is generated from Pay and Display
tariffs, sale of permits and issue of Penalty Charge Notices. The purpose of the
penalty charges is to dissuade motorists from contravening parking restrictions.
The issue of a notice should act as a deterrent to those motorists who wilfully
contravene regulations and also as a reminder to those motorists who are less
aware that safe and considerate parking is a necessity for all those using our
roads. We do not set targets for revenue or the number of Penalty Charge
Notices (PCNs) we issue. We finance the enforcement of restrictions from our on
and off street revenues.
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5.1 Parking Services Financial Information
Expenditure funded from both income subject and not subject to section 55 of the
RTRA 1984 -
• Operation of Durham Park and Ride sites (includes maintenance, business
rates, electricity, gas, water etc.)
• Management and enforcement Durham City Road User Charge,
• Management and enforcement Durham City Park and Ride sites
• Park and Ride bus service operation
22
5.2 Parking Services Account
Total £1,031,827
Total £693,814
23
Expenditure funded from income subject to section 55 of the RTRA 1984 -
Financial
Year 2008/09
Provision of city centre Parking Shop £165,390
Contractor issue Penalty Charge Notice (on street and off street) £24,317
Contractor Issue Notice to Owner £1,048
Enforcement 8am to 6pm - Mon to Sat £240,295
Enforcement outside normal office hours £8,809
Pay & Display Machine cash collection £38,526
Pay & Display machine maintenance + upgrade £20,887
Other £17,382
Total £517,657
Expenditure funded from combination of both income subject and not subject to
section 55 of the RTRA 1984 –
Financial
Year 2008/09
Management of Durham road user charge + access restriction £38,474
Maintenance of road user charge and other access restrictions £18,693
Operation and management of Durham City Park and Ride sites £104,458
Park and Ride cash collection £11,291
Maintenance of Park and Ride sites £48,907
Park and Ride business rates and utility costs £75,086
Provision of bus service £850,000
British Parking association Membership £515
Other £4,250
Total £1,151,677
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5.3 Action Taken with Respect to Surplus
The Cathedral bus offers easy access to the Cathedral and Castle as well as city
centre shopping areas from the railway station and off street car and coach parks.
The service was introduced to support a reduction in vehicular traffic on the
Historic peninsula and World Heritage site.
We expect income subject to section 55 of the RTRA 1984 to remain broadly the
same.
We expect income subject and not subject to section 55 of the RTRA 1984 to
remain broadly the same.
25
6.0 Statistical Performance
A total of 5,088 PCNs were issued for on street contraventions from 3rd Nov 2008
to 31st March 2009.
The total number of PCNs for each contravention can be found in Appendix E
A total of 213 PCNs were issued for off street contraventions from 3rd Nov 2008
to 31st March 2009.
The total number of PCNs for each contravention can be found in Appendix F.
26
6.3 Payment Stage
When a PCN is issued, payment of the charge may be made at various stages of
representation and appeal in accordance with relevant primary legislation and
regulations. Early payment results in a discounted charge being accepted. Late
payment generally results in higher charges being payable. A high volume of
Warning PCN’s not subject to payment were issued in the first month of CPE
operation, hence the total number of PCN’s subject to payment is substantially
less than the total number issued.
Financial
Year 2008/09
Total 3448
27
6.4 Challenges, Representations and Appeals
28
Number of PCNs against which a formal representation was made 107
Of which resulted in cancellation of PCN 26
Of which resulted in Notice of Rejection 28
Of which resulted in new Notice to Owner being issued 53
29
6.5 Performance
We judge the success of our operation according to how far desired transport
objectives have been achieved - not the number of PCN’s issued. We will also
judge our success on how satisfied our customers are with the service.
As CPE has only been operational since 3 November 2008 we are unable to
compare our current performance with past performance. In future annual reports
we will be able to judge how successful we have been. For example a reduction
in the number of penalty charge notices issued for PI 1 (see below) may suggest
a reduction in the number of contraventions and therefore an improvement over
previous years.
These Notices are issued for vehicles left on yellow line restrictions. It is
considered the public understand the meaning of such restrictions and that often
the risk of enforcement is considered acceptable to drivers. As CPE matures
throughout the district it is likely the public will accept the higher levels of
enforcement and less risk takers will be evident.
Restricted streets are often misunderstood by the public. We will ensure all
restricted streets are clearly and unambiguously signed and that the public are
aware of the meaning of the signs through publicity in County Council
publications.
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PI 3 - Improve road safety
Contravention Code 48 – Stopped in a restricted area outside a school where
prohibited Total number of contraventions = 19
Compliance with this type of restriction is high and generally understood by most
members of the public. Enforcement is reactive following reports from schools,
pupil’s parents, residents, or Council members. It is expected a low level of
contravention will continue.
Non compliance with this type of restriction can be generally be categorised into
two groups. The intentional risk takers who do not buy a ticket or ignore it may
have expired: and the non intentional errors that occur simply because the driver
may have forgotten about the time limits. The Council will investigate any means
that could be found (e.g. telecommunications) to address the latter group who did
not intend to contravene restrictions.
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PI 7– Improve the local environment
Contravention Code 19 – Parked in a residents or shared use parking space or
zone displaying invalid permit, invalid voucher or invalid pay and display ticket.
Total number of contraventions = 170
Pressure of parking on residential streets close to the City Centre means that
demand must be regulated through restrictions. Contravention by not displaying a
valid permit or ticket indicates that the driver would be aware such device should
be displayed. Nevertheless it can be found that invalid devices are displayed in
attempts to comply with regulations. Often inadvertent but sometimes intentional,
contravention of this type should reduce if drivers become aware of enforcement
policy.
The annual survey of residents identifies which streets residents find it most
difficult to park and allows us to reconsider the appropriateness and ‘fit for
purpose’ of parking restrictions.
This type of restriction may not be understood by the public and this may be
cause for concern. Generally contravention occurs in built areas where parking
demand is high. If demand is from residential parking we aim to engage with
residents to inform of our intention to enforce before any notices are issued.
32
PI 10 - Meet the needs of people with disabilities
Contravention Code 40 – Parked in a designated disabled persons bay without
displaying a disabled persons badge in the prescribed manner. Total number of
contraventions = 198
As with most restrictions, these are clearly and unambiguously marked in our city
centre. Such parking inconveniences taxis and their users and can have impact
on the safe operation of ranks. Generally contravention is low and no increase in
resource is needed to discourage such contraventions.
33
PI 13 – Customer Care
Annual On Street Parking Survey – The Parking Shop office staff are courteous
and helpful.89% of respondents either strongly agree or agreed.
The partners delivering car park management and enforcement are pleased with
the response of the public to our efforts in delivering a customer friendly service.
Such a customer friendly culture will continue to be fostered and encouraged
throughout all of the service areas.
PI 14 - Customer Care
Annual On Street Parking Survey – The CEOs are courteous and helpful
89% of respondents either strongly agree or agreed.
Working on street with the public is a demanding and stressful task that requires
a raft of personal skills to be able to deliver acceptably. The partners recognise
that training of CEO’s in customer focus is vitally important if the service is to
retain a positive image. We will continue to work together to ensure our front line
CEO’s retain such a high reputation for customer service.
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Appendix A – Summary of parking restrictions in Durham District
Total
Street Name & Location Restriction Spaces
New Elvet, Durham City Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 3
New Elvet, Durham City Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 2
Court Lane (Prison Green) ,
Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 2
Durham City
Green Lane, Durham City Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 2
Old Elvet, Durham City Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 2
Old Elvet, Durham City Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours (All Day) 1
Blue Badge Holders Only for 1 Hour & No return within 1
Church Street, Durham City 2
Hour (All Day)
Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours & No return that day
Claypath, Durham City 2
(Mon – Sat, 8am – 6pm)
Framwellgate Waterside, Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours & No return that day
2
Durham City (All Day)
Blue Badge Holders Only for 1 Hour & No return that day
Milburngate, Durham City 3
(All Day)
Blue Badge Holders Only for 1 Hour & No return that day
North Road, Durham City 3
(All Day)
Blue Badge Holders Only for 3 Hours & No return that day
Walkergate, Durham City 5
(All Day)
Total 29
35
Loading Bays
Total
Street Name & Location Restriction Spaces
McIntyre Way, Gilesgate Loading Only (All Day) 4
Freemans Place, Durham City Loading Only (All Day) 8
Claypath, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 2
Claypath, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 2
Claypath, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 4
Elvet Crescent, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 2
New Elvet, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 3
Old Elvet, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 4
North Road (8), Durham City Loading Only (All Day) 10
North Road (17a), Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm 7
Crossgate (59), Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 3
North Road (24), Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 4
North Road (19), Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 2
Tenter Terrace, Durham City Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 4
Crossgate (Elm Tree Inn) ,
Loading Only between the hours of 8am - 6pm Mon - Sat 3
Durham City
North Road Roundabout,
Loading Only (All Day) 3
Durham City
Back Silver Street, Durham City Loading Only (All Day) 2
Total 67
Taxi Bays
Total
Street Name & Location Restriction Spaces
Claypath, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis between 6pm to 8am 6
Station Approach, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis (All Day) 3
North Road, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis between 6pm to 8am 2
North Road, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis between 6pm to 8am 7
North Road, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis (All Day) 9
Claypath Slip Road, Durham No Waiting Except Taxis (All Day) 5
Total 32
36
Police Bays
Total
Street Name & Location Restriction Spaces
Court Lane, Durham City No stopping except police vehicles 3
New Elvet, Durham City No stopping except police vehicles 3
Total 6
37
Framwellgate Waterside,
Durham City 40p per half hour P&D 49
Frankland Lane, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 35
George Street, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 15
Gilesgate, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 36
Green Lane, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 53
Grove Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 30
Hallgarth Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 71
Hawthorn Terrace, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 53
Holly Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 16
John Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 16
Laburnum Avenue, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 22
Lawson Terrace, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 26
Leazes Lane, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 5
Margery Lane, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 6
May Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 34
Mistletoe Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 22
Mitchell Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 18
Mowbray Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 22
Neville Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 16
New Elvet, Durham City 40p per half hour P&D 25
New Street, Durham City 40p per half hour P&D 18
North Road, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 60
Old Elvet, Durham City 40p per half hour P&D 109
Orchard Drive, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 8
Oswald Court, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 42
Pelaw Leazes Lane, Durham
City 30p per half hour P&D 22
Percy Terrace, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 17
Pimlico, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 19
Potters Bank, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 20
Quarryheads Lane, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 33
Renny Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 14
Sidegate, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 12
South Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 29
St Hilds, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 6
St Johns Road, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 61
Station Lane, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 4
Stockton Road, (A177), Durham
City 30p per half hour P&D 8
38
Sutton Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 16
The Avenue, Durham City,
Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 119
The Hallgarth, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 9
The Sands, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 53
Waddington Street, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 13
West Terrace, Durham City 30p per half hour P&D 14
Whinney Hill Link Road, Durham
City 20p per half hour P&D 7
Whinney Hill, Durham City 20p per half hour P&D 31
39
Wanless Terrace, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Wearside Drive, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Sidegate, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Crossgate Cul de Sac, Durham free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Grape Lane, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Tenter Terrace, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Highgate, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Alexandria Crescent (rear),
Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Back Nevilledale Terrace,
Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Beech Crest, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Briardene, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Brierville, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Crossgate Peth, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Summerville, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Bridge Street Access, Durham
City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Lambton Street, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Princes's Street, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Back Western Hill, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Milbank Court, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Obelisk Lane, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Valeside, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Farnley Hey Road, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Farnley Mount, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Farnley Ridge, Durham City free for permit holders Permit Holders Only n/a
Total
Street Name & Location Restriction Spaces
Finchale Road/Front Street,
Framwellgate Moor 2 Hours No Return within 30 Minutes – All Day 4
Finchale Road/Front Street,
Framwellgate Moor 2 Hours No Return within 30 Minutes –All Day 6
High Street, Langley Moor 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour – Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm 9
High Street, Langley Moor 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour – Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm 3
High Street, Langley Moor 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour – Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm 10
40
Appendix B – Staff structure within Strategic Traffic Management Section
Strategic
Traffic
Management
Section
Manager
Regulation
Design & Parking
Implementation Manager
Manager
Regulation
Representations Park and Ride
Design &
NSL Officers bus service
Implementation
(2) operator
Officer
41
Appendix C - Staff structure for NSL Services Group
NSL
Parking
Contract
Manager
Parking
Park and Ride
Cash Operations
Contract
Collection Support
Support
Staff Manager
Manager
(2)
Parking CCTV
Senior Civil Bus Station Administration Mobile Site Customer
Enforcement Customer Supervisor Patrollers Maintenance Service
Officers Service Staff
(3) (2) Officers
(2) (3)
(3)
Civil Parking
Enforcement Administration
Officers Assistant
(11) (2)
42
Appendix D - NSL Services Group Training Plan
43
Prior to commencement of induction a training and delivery
plan is formulated to meet the these job skills training needs
for groups or individuals in addition to induction and Driving
Customer training requirements and is delivered and
monitored by the contract Training Officer and L&D Team.
Further group and individual training needs are identified and
built into the annual team plan to ensure al requirements are
met
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skills/knowledge training is completed
45
Appendix E - Total number of PCNs for each on street contravention
PCNs Issued
Code Contravention (on street) Level Penalty
3/11/ 2008 – 31/03/2009
05 Parked after the expiry of paid for time Lower £50 523
46
Parked in a special enforcement area more than
26 50 cm from the edge of the carriageway and not Higher £70 0
within a designated parking place
Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent
27 Higher £70 0
to a dropped footway
TOTAL 5088
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Appendix F - Total number of PCNs for each off street contravention
PCNs Issued
Code Contravention (off street) Level Penalty
3/11/ 2008 – 31/03/2009
TOTAL 213
48